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On February 7, 2004, at the Western Canada Aviation Museum, Alexander Lee Nyerges, Director and CFO of The Dayton Art Institute, presented a slide show and lecture that launched the public viewing of the special Wright Brothers image exhibit "Orville and Wilbur: The Wright Brothers' Legacy".  Mr. Nyerges was introduced by Shirley Render of the WCAM.   Todd Schwartz, U.S. Consul in Winnipeg, was present and is in one of the photos with Shirley and Alexander.  
Mr. Nyerges discussed the good fortune in having this exhibit extended beyond it's time in Dayton.  After Winnipeg, this collection will return to the private collection of the owners and not be available for public viewing.  
Mr. Nyerges revealed many details of the Wright Brothers' genius and the meticulous records they kept and their interest in modernism including photography.  The exhibit  features an autographed image of the first flight by Orville Wright.  This is very rare as they did not autograph images.  Mr. Nyerges indicated the early interest the Brothers had in making a 'float plane' and the importance of this invention for Manitoba's early entry into aviation in the North.  Today, flight is based upon their calculations and constructs for lift and wind tunnel affects on lift that was used in their path to invention of the Wright Flyer. Their invention of the 4 cycle aluminum engine to power it was very advanced for the time period and showed the desire to succeed in the Brothers invention. 
The images on this page are of the WCAM museum and this event.  Click on the thumbnail to open the larger image in a new window.   The gift shop has souvenirs, books and clothing to mark the occasion.  The entrance to the exhibit of 74 images is located on the second floor.  Images on this page were taken by R. Lambert.